On comparative evaluation of the current denudation rate in the Great Caucasus using river discharge

Abstract

Hydrochemical data reveal both areal and altitudinal variability of denudation mean rate for west, central and east segments of the Great Caucasus, the values are in the ratio of l : 1.67 : 2.18 respectively. Changes of the denudation rate from low mountains through middle to high mountains are expressed with ratio l : 1.50 : 1.74. Mean total transit denudation of the Great Caucasus is 0.331 mm per year, mechanical component being about 82% of the total value.